District Technology Updates & �Overview of Smart Schools Investment Plan Recommendations

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By: Dr. Pennyman-Superintendent,� Cheryl Rabinowitz-Manager of Instructional Technology

January 7, 2025

How Do We Get There?

The Six Keys for School Improvement

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HCSD Technology Update for:��

• Technology Progress in the District (2020- 2025 School Years)�
• Student Tech Crew Overview�
• District Technology Committee & Plan�
• Overview of Smart Bond/Smart Schools Investment Plan (SSIP) Recommendations

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Acknowledgements�

For their collaboration & supporting technology for students and staff�in the district, a special thank you to:�

• BOE Members, Superintendent, District and Building Administration, �All Instructional and Non-Instructional Staff
• Hudson CSD Community,Voters, Partners, Agencies
• Hudson CSD Students and their families
• District Technology Department
• District Technology Committee
• All our software and hardware Vendor Partners including the various �BOCES (Questar & NERIC & Other BOCES)
• Digital Promise,Verizon Innovative Learning Program

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District Technology Updates (20-21, 21-22)�

• Installed New Network Switches at MCSES.
• Upgraded the Server Room and Internet Provider.
• Implemented Cybersecurity Training for all staff.
• Upgraded desktops, laptops, chromebooks, classroom displays and installed an Apple lab at HS.
• Hired 2 in-house Computer Service Specialist Technicians.
• Centralized all software ordering and confirm it meets all NYS Ed Law 2D Requirements. (ongoing).
• Media Center Equipment at MCSES.

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District Technology Updates - (22-23, 23-24)

• Upgraded Cabling in Network Closets.
• Drafted a CyberSecurity Plan and Security Assessment with our BOCES Partners. (Ongoing)
• Implemented a New Automated/Robocall Communication System; Parent Square & Implemented ThinkTech, Computerized Testing Simulation.
• Upgraded Network Switches for JHS/HS/Central Office.
• Rolled Out the Student Tech Direct Crew-Phase 1.
• Upgraded more chromebooks and classroom displays.
• Upgraded Camera System Software, Servers-Phase 1.
• Implemented a new Helpdesk ticketing & Inventory system, Incident IQ for Technology and Facilities.
• Implemented Wordly (Language Translation Program).
• Assist district with pronunciations in eSchool Data.(ongoing)

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District Technology Updates - (24-25)

• Integrated Branching Minds, Achieve 3000, Atlas, Stafftrac with Classlink �and eSchoolData.
• Updated Cyber Security Awareness Training Program to CyberNut.
• Implemented SWYE 360-Software Data usage program.
• Kick Off for Verizon Innovative Learning Schools Program for JHS/HS (Chromebooks with cellular data, two instructional coaches, an additional technician, professional development, conferences).
• Developed a Student/Family and Staff Technology Handbook.
• Developing a Technology Newsletter.
• Assist with Computerized Simulations & Testing.
• Exploring more translation resources for students and staff.
• Provided staff development on Superintendent’s Conference Day.
• Working with District Technology Committee and Smart Schools.
• Funding through (General Fund. eRate, Donations and Grants)

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District Technology Snapshot

• Staff Laptops: 230
• Chromebooks: 3,286
• Interactive Displays: 145
• TV's: 35
• Desktops: 66
• All-In-One Desktops: 208
• Monitors: 121
• Printers: 95
• Software Programs (Instructional, Administrative) approximate 130 programs, plus free programs (All NYS Ed Law 2D Compatible)
• Dept. Staffing: IT Manager, 3 Computer Service Specialist Technicians, 1 Network Admin Engineer, Secretary
• IT Dept. Focus is providing high quality IT Customer Support, Monitoring & Reflection (ongoing)�

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Student Tech Crew

Student Tech Crew-Cohorts: 1, 2 and 3 -Description of Cohorts:

• Cohort 1: Grade 9-12 Students who are in year 3 of the program and have �their Dell Computer Repair Certification.
• Cohort 2: Grads 9-12 Students who are in year 1 and who �need their Dell Computer Repair Certification.
• Cohort 3: Grade 8 Students who are in year 1. Their focus is digital media announcements.

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District Technology Committee Update:

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• HCSD has a Very Collaborative Working Committee, Comprised of Students, Parents/Guardian/Community & PreK-12 Faculty, Admin. Support Staff. A Special Thank You to the Committee for All Their Hard Work!
• NYSED Requires School Districts to have a 3 Year Technology Plan.�Current Plan covers three school years, 2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025.
• Data Sources Used for Developing Plan:
• IT Audit by the Comptroller’s Office.
• Feedback from Technology Committee Surveys.
• NYS Digital Equity Surveys.
• IT Needs Assessments by IT Dept. & BOCES

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Goal 1:

Provide appropriate instructional technology tools to �the school community for teaching, learning, and productivity.

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Completed Actions:

• Provided chromebooks to students to support the instructional program.
• Upgraded Laptops for staff.
• Purchased Instructional Software.
• Upgraded Interactive Displays for Classrooms and Offices.

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Goal 2:

Provide professional development to teachers, administrators and support staff.�Goal 3:

Ensure student proficiency in digital technology tools and digital citizenship literacy.

�Actions:

• Hired two Instructional Technology Coaches who assist with building capacity for technology integration, use of developing lessons that incorporate digital technology tools and digital citizenship literacy for students and are aligned with NYS Standards and National Educational Technology Standards.
• IT Coaches provide embedded professional development to teachers by collaborative planning and modeling lessons in classrooms.
• Continue to work with Building and District Leadership to provide professional development opportunities, during Superintendent Conference Days, After School and Summer Workshops.

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Goal 4:

Ensure a fully functioning robust network with equitable, accessible and �security technology. �

Recommended Actions:

• Upgrading wireless Network infrastructure
• Upgrading the security camera system.
• Upgrading the phone system.

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• Recommendation for using our Smart Schools Funding.

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District Technology Committee Update:

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• This Year District Technology Committee is Focusing on:
• Making Recommendations for Updating Policies & Plans �(Developing a Software Form and AI Policy).
• Developing District Technology Surveys for Students, Staff and Families for the next 3 Year District Technology Plan 2026-2027, 2027-2028, 2028-2029.
• Exploring Instructional Technology Resources (examples may include: Digital Citizenship, Digital Media, Gaming).
• Updating Cyber Security Incident Response Plan.�
• Questions?

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Overview of Smart Schools Investment Plan

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By: Dr. Pennyman-Superintendent,� Cheryl Rabinowitz-Manager of Instructional Technology

Tyler Kritzman-Facilities

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Overview of Smart Schools Bond Act

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• The Smart Schools Bond Act, was approved by New York State voters in 2014, authorized the issuance of $2 billion of general obligation bonds to finance improved educational technology and infrastructure to improve learning and opportunity for students throughout the State.
• Allocation for Hudson City School District is: $1,771,233.
• Collaborative Process (Stakeholders, Assessment of Needs, Demonstrations, Walkthroughs. Recommendations & Develop a Smart Schools Improvement Plan (SSIP))
• Focus Areas: High Tech Security Features & School Connectivity

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Overview of Smart Schools Bond Act

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• SSIP must be Aligned with the Approved District Technology Plan.
• Aligned with District Technology Plan -Goal 4:
• Ensure fully functioning robust network with, equitable, accessible and security technology* to use in school and beyond as applicable. (Technology in this goal includes but is not limited to network infrastructure of upgraded and implementation of wireless access points, administrative software, integration into the network for upgrading security camera and phone systems.)
• Recommendations for SSIP: (Upgrades to our Security Camera, Wireless, Phones, PA Systems, Structured Cabling)

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SECURITY & CAMERA UPGRADES PHASE 1

2023/24

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• Provide new server and VMS licenses for the new video management platform.
• (1) 160TB Server & Software
• Licenses to ingest all existing cameras
• Provide and install (16) new cameras with new cable runs. �Includes licensing.
• (1) Interior 10MP Dual Head Camera
• (7) Interior 4MP Dome Cameras
• (1) Interior 6MP Dome Camera
• (5) Exterior 6MP Dome Cameras
• (2) Exterior 8MP Bullet Cameras

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SECURITY & CAMERA UPGRADES PHASE 2

2024/25

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• Smart Bond
• Video Upgrade and Adds
• (58) New cameras
• (113) Replacement cameras
• (1) New 157TB server(MCS)
• Access Control Conversion
• (1) Access control server
• Licenses to ingest (53) doors
• (3) New access control doors
• (43) New monitored doors

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Structured Cabling - Elementary School

(Overview)

• New (tested / certified) CAT6A cabling to support the following:
• Cisco IP Phone
• Meraki Wireless Access Point
• Teacher computer
• AND (Advanced Network Devices) PA speaker/clock unit

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Structured Cabling - Elementary School

(Components)

• (380) Cat6A drops
• New patch panels
• J-Hooks in hallways
• Metal raceways in classrooms

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Cisco Webex Calling

(Overview)

• 100% Cloud based
• Software updates pushed from Cloud
• Less on-premise hardware to support and replace
• Native support with Singlewire Informacast Notification and Paging integration software (Cloud based)
• Call recording
• Messaging platform
• Business SMS Texting
• Softphone native (mobile, Chrome, desktop)

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• Masks personal mobile number to make school calls
• E911 Compliance
• Ray Baums Act
• Kari’s Law
• Alyssa’s Law (NJ, NY, FL)
• SPAM Filter
• Voicemail Transcription
• Language translation

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Cisco Webex Calling

(Components)

• (275) Cisco A-FLEX-3 licenses
• (2) Cisco C8200L voice gateway routers / SRST
• (252) Cisco 9841 IP Phones
• (59) Cisco 9861 IP Phones
• (4) Cisco 8832 IP Phones
• Cisco ATA192 analog adapters

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Meraki Wireless

(Overview)

• Coverage to include HS/MS/ES and ES athletic field
• Streamlined management - Meraki dashboard
• Scalability & Resiliency – No WLAN controller to limit network growth
• Security - Layer 3 and 7 Firewall Processing Order
• Instant access to enhanced features / upgrades
• Real-time analytics

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Meraki Wireless

(Components)

• (235) Meraki 9162 WAPs (Classroom)
• (12) Meraki 9166 WAPs (High Density Space)
• (6) Meraki 9163 WAPs (Outdoor)
• (1) Meraki MX68 router/security appliance

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Meraki 9162

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Public Address / Clock

(Overview)

• Upgrades for existing Jr/Sr PA systems
• Enhance safety and security with one comprehensive,district-wide platform
• Solution integrates with Cisco VoIP phone system
• Compatible with approved 3rd party software from Cisco, Singlewire, etc.
• Combination clock and PA speaker unit includes high-definition full-color LED display
• Singlewire Fusion software provides integrated paging and alert notification
• Bell scheduler

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Public Address / Clock

(Components)

• Miscellaneous components for upgrade of existing analog PA systems for HS/JR HS (amplifiers, etc.)
• (74) Advanced Network Devices PA/clock unit for hallways
• Cat6A cables for HS/JR HS
• Singlewire Fusion licenses / appliances
• Atlas zone controllers
• RedSky Horizon E911 license

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�Next Steps

1. Receive Project number from NYSED
2. Enters SSIP information in the NYSED Portal
3. A Presentation to School Board of a preliminary Smart Schools Investment Plan.
4. The preliminary plan will be posted on the district website for at least 30 days.
5. The district will provide an email address to which any written comments on the plan should be sent.
6. After the 30 days, the school board conducts a Public hearing that enables stakeholders to respond to the SSIP plan. The district presents final plan for school board approval The final proposed plan that has been submitted has been posted on the district's website. Link to Process

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Acknowledgements�

For their collaboration & supporting technology for students and staff�in the district, a special thank you to:�

• BOE Members, Superintendent, District and Building Administration, �All Instructional and Non-Instructional Staff
• Hudson CSD Community,Voters, Partners, Agencies
• Hudson CSD Students and their families
• District Technology Department
• District Technology Committee
• All our software and hardware Vendor Partners including the various �BOCES (Questar & NERIC & Other BOCES)
• Digital Promise,Verizon Innovative Learning Program

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Questions